Exhibit 99.1

Ameron Reports Second-Quarter Results

PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 8, 2011--Ameron International Corporation (NYSE: AMN) today reported net income of $1.0 million, or $.11 per diluted share, in the second quarter ended May 29, 2011, compared to net income of $9.5 million, or $1.03 per diluted share, in the quarter ended May 30, 2010. Second-quarter sales totaled $134.7 million in 2011, compared to $136.5 million in 2010.

James S. Marlen, Ameron’s Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President stated, “As anticipated when we updated 2011 guidance in early May, the Company was only marginally profitable in the second quarter. Operations improved compared to the first quarter when weather was a major factor. However, the Company’s businesses continued to suffer from margin pressure related to weak construction markets and a lull, which is expected to be temporary, in Asian fiberglass pipe markets. Additionally, unusually-high legal expenses impacted year-to-date results.”

Year-to-date, the Company reported a net loss of $3.3 million, or $.37 per diluted share, in 2011, compared to net income of $10.6 million, or $1.15 per diluted share, in 2010. Sales for the first six months of 2011 totaled $244.5 million, compared to $245.6 million in 2010.

The Fiberglass-Composite Pipe Group’s second-quarter sales and segment income, before interest and income taxes, totaled $66.9 million and $14.3 million, respectively, in 2011, compared to sales of $64.7 million and segment income of $17.8 million in 2010. Sales of U.S. and European operations increased due to the continued strength of oil prices and related oilfield demand. These increases were partially offset by reduced sales from Asian and Brazilian operations. The decline in Asia came from the slowdown of marine and offshore markets, while the decline in Brazil was associated with slower-than-expected acceptance of products from the Company’s new Brazilian factories. Earnings from operations in Europe increased, while earnings from all other operations declined. Group-wide profits were impacted in the second quarter by a shift in sales away from higher-margin marine, offshore and mining projects and by higher raw material costs. Additionally, margins were lower as competitors fought for fewer available projects, including industrial projects in the Middle East which are served by the Company’s Asian operations. Key onshore oilfield markets, served primarily by the Company’s wholly-owned Centron business, improved around the world, driven by oil prices in the second quarter. Order backlogs for onshore oilfield piping remain at historically high levels. The Group benefited in the second quarter from a $2.8 million dividend from the Company’s Saudi Arabian fiberglass pipe affiliate. The expectation continues for the Fiberglass-Composite Pipe Group to perform well for the balance of the year due to high energy prices, and sales into Asian marine and offshore markets are expected to increase later in 2011. However, unforeseen events, such as the unrest in the Middle East and Libya, may restrain the Group’s upside potential. Longer term, the Fiberglass-Composite Pipe Group remains uniquely positioned within its markets and should capitalize on its leadership role.

The Infrastructure Products Group had lower sales and segment income in the second quarter of 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, due to depressed residential and commercial construction markets. The Group’s sales declined $.8 million, or 3%; segment income declined $1.6 million, or about 70%. Sales of aggregates and ready-mix on Oahu rose slightly. However, most markets in Hawaii remained weak, except those related to governmental and military spending. The Hawaii Division’s profits declined due to rising diesel prices and higher energy and repair costs. Weak demand hampered efforts to pass increased costs to customers. Sales of poles declined due to the lack of new housing construction. Pole Products’ profits were flat. A significant recovery of the residential market which would benefit Pole Products is not expected in the short term. The Infrastructure Products Group is expected to continue to be affected by the slowdown in construction spending in Hawaii and the low level of construction spending on poles throughout 2011.

The Water Transmission Group was unprofitable on lower sales in the second quarter of 2011, compared to the second quarter of 2010. Sales of pipe operations decreased from $29.1 million in the second quarter of 2010 to $24.8 million in 2011, while wind tower sales increased from $12.2 million in 2010 to $13.2 million in 2011. Pipe sales fell primarily due to reduced activity in California which was caused by low demand and the timing of projects in backlog. Water pipe order backlog totaled $49.7 million at May 29, 2011. Wind tower backlog declined to $19.8 million as of May 29, 2011, down from $32.1 million at the end of the first quarter. Both the water pipe and the wind tower businesses were unprofitable in the second quarter of 2011 as operations were not able to overcome the lack of sales and low margins due to weak market conditions. Pipe operations lost $1.2 million in the second quarter of 2011, compared to earning $1.3 million in the second quarter of 2010; wind tower operations lost $1.0 million in both the second quarters of 2011 and 2010. The water pipe business is experiencing soft market demand as the timing of bid activity continues to be negatively affected by the economy, municipal budgets and the availability of financing. While wind tower orders improved in 2011, pricing has been weak, creating a challenge for the Water Transmission Group’s return to profitability. The Company continues to monitor a number of major wind tower and pipe opportunities; however, it remains uncertain when owners, water agencies and municipalities will proceed with these projects. The outlook for the balance of 2011 is not expected to improve sufficiently for the Water Transmission Group to be profitable. Longer term, the markets served by the Water Transmission Group require infrastructure replacement and enhancements to meet growing water needs. The Group has traditionally excelled in meeting the water needs in the western U.S. Once the current down cycle ends, the Water Transmission Group is expected to return to its historical level of profitability.

The Company repurchased $10.1 million of its Common Stock in the first quarter and an additional $5.0 million in the second quarter of 2011, as part of a $50.0 million repurchase program announced in October 2010. The shares were purchased in the open market.

James S. Marlen continued, “We cautioned in January that the year was starting slowly and earnings expectations were dependent on improvements in construction–related markets. Such improvements have not materialized to date. While earnings are expected to be less than thought at the beginning of the year, the Company is improving from the slow start in the first quarter. We continue to focus on controlling costs to maximize profits during this difficult period and on prudently managing the Company’s strong balance sheet and cash position, which totaled $169.5 million at May 29, 2011. Looking forward, we believe that Ameron’s three business segments are well positioned to take advantage of any improvement in demand.”

On July 5, the Company announced that National Oilwell Varco, Inc. (NOV) and the Company have entered into an agreement under which NOV will acquire the Company subject to customary closing conditions.

About Ameron International

Ameron International Corporation is a multinational manufacturer of highly-engineered products and materials for the chemical, industrial, energy, transportation and infrastructure markets. Traded on the New York Stock Exchange (AMN), Ameron is a leading producer of water transmission lines and fabricated steel products, such as wind towers; fiberglass-composite pipe for transporting oil, chemicals and corrosive fluids and specialized materials; and products used in infrastructure projects. The Company’s businesses operate in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. The Company also has partial ownership in several unconsolidated affiliates in the Middle East.

All statements in this press release and in all future press releases that do not directly and exclusively relate to historical facts constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements represent the intentions, plans, expectations and beliefs of Ameron International Corporation (the “Company” or “Ameron”), and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the Company’s control. These factors could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. For a written description of these factors, see the press release that describes the NOV acquisition which is attached to the Form 8K filed on July 5, 2011 and the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended November 30, 2010 and in the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 27, 2011. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update these forward-looking statements whether as a result of subsequent events or otherwise except as required by law.

CONTACT:
Ameron International Corporation
James S. Marlen, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President
Gary Wagner, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer
Telephone: 626-683-4000